Yates recognizes years of service

YATES COUNTY--The Yates County Legislature held their regular meeting, Monday, Jan. 13 at the legislative chambers in the county office building.
Prior to the meeting, a number of employees were recognized for years of service. They included:
Five years of service - David Mashewske, Molly Linehan, Katie Gosper, Kevin Campbell, Chris Hansen, Brian Rapalee, Karen Bradley, Sandra McKay, Pamela Christensen and Kimberly Nelson.
10 years - Daniel Davis, Derek Christensen, Stephen LaBarr, Charles Bishop, Elizabeth Putnam, Jillian Dillon and Erica Nesbit.
15 years - Arlyn Cunningham, Chad Betts and Bonnie Clawson.
20 years - Craig Prior, Robert Quayle, Susan Simmons, Michael Chapman, Lindsay Tones, Pamela Housel, Robert Bell, Suzanne Kurz, Kay Williamson and Neil Freeland.
25 years - Edwin Nemitz, Judy Hoover, Patrick Manahan and Jill Emerson.
30 years - Alan Mack, Sandra Smith and Sharon Swarts.
35 years - Donald Danforth
40 years - Susan Irwin
During the meeting, all resolutions before the group passed. Included in the resolutions was entering into an agreement to look at expanding broadband in Yates County as well as Tioga, Schuyler and Steuben.
Both acting Acting County Administrator Nonie Flynn and Southern Tier Network Chief Executive Officer Steven Manning emphasized the importance of the coalition of the different counties in looking at expansion. Manning said the return on investment and overall demand for the product are stronger when rural areas work together. He also stated the importance of competition in driving advancement in internet speeds and making the network prepared for the future.
The ability for the four counties to make unified decisions also helps to ensure those who are furthest away from population centers are not left out simply because they are near a county boundary. STN will pay for 50 percent of the study and Yates County the lesser of 15 percent of the counties' cost or $50,000.